Jets Free Agent Priority: DE Bryce Huff?

The New York Jets face a tough decision on whether to re-sign free agent linebacker/defensive end Bryce Huff this offseason.

The New York Jets have been quite vocal in their desire to keep reserve linebacker/defensive end Bryce Huff in East Rutherford green and white for the foreseeable future. 

However, it will not come without significant cost. 

Just four years removed from starting his NFL career as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Memphis, Huff is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. 

New York Jets DE Bryce Huff / Cred: The Athletic

Thought he spent most of his first three seasons in a situational pass rushing role, the 25-year-old became a notable contributor in a fearsome Jets’ front seven this season. Huff finished 2023 having compiled 29 tackles (10, for loss),  10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 31 pressures and a pass break-up — all of which were career highs. Perhaps most impressively, he did so while aligning on only 42 percent of New York’s defensive snaps. 

Still, Huff does not expect his limited time on the gridiron to force him into accepting a hometown discount 

“I don’t think that will be an issue,” Huff said in January of his impending free agency. “I feel like my film speaks for itself. I’ve done really well against great players in the league. I’ve put a lot of good stuff on film. I’m not really worried about the negotiations.”

Despite having previously discussed the potential of a new deal, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. Nevertheless, Jets fans may take solace in the notion that general manager Joe Douglas considers Huff’s retention as an offseason “priority.” 

From a financial standpoint, the talented defender has an estimated valuation of approximately $9.6 million annually, based on his 2023 performance. Of course, the Jets could prevent Huff from testing free agency by applying the franchise tag (valued at $23 million) or the transition tag, projected around $20 million. Earlier this year, ESPN reported that a tag-and-trade scenario should not be considered likely in this case.

Breakout Season Sends Third Jets' Defender to Pro Bowl Games

In the final analysis, Huff’s value as a pass rusher is most valuable in a Jets system, which depends on his services in a rotational role. Yet, should he be allowed to test free agent waters, he may find a deeper pool of green in which to swim during his fifth season on the gridiron. 

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